Product Lead (Public Sector)

About the Role

The role is part of Kainos's consulting capability, where you will act as a visible leader, owning the delivery of consulting initiatives. You will also manage, coach, and develop a small number of staff, with a focus on managing employee performance and promoting good product management practices.

Kainos is committed to creating a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions make a real difference. As a Product Lead, you will be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

What You Will Do

• Lead multi-disciplinary agile delivery teams in the development and management of public sector products
• Own the end-to-end backlog for a product, ensuring its overall quality and maturity
• Work closely with business analysts, product consultants, delivery managers, and solution architects to shape the approach for the work undertaken by your team
• Drive commercial opportunities and negotiate with stakeholders
• Act as a visible leader within the consulting capability, owning the delivery of consulting initiatives
• Manage, coach, and develop a small number of staff, with a focus on managing employee performance
• Ensure that requirements-gathering, refinement, and prioritization processes are effective
• Devise goal-oriented roadmaps, gaining buy-in from stakeholders and instilling a focus on MVP
• Lead the collaborative breakdown of goals into small pieces of value-delivering work
• Facilitate workshops with senior stakeholders, negotiating conflicting viewpoints and achieving buy-in for new initiatives
• Implement appropriate tools, standards, and techniques for business analysis and requirements gathering

What We Are Looking For

• Experience in bespoke software delivery, operating as part of an agile team working for an external customer
• UK public sector experience, particularly in central government
• Experience in shaping the approach taken in a range of phases of the software development lifecycle
• Strong commercial awareness and active participation in revenue or sales-generating activity
• Experience leading product teams, ensuring the product vision and goals are understood so that the scope is managed by the team effectively
• Proven ability to lead, providing direction and promoting good product management practices across one or more agile teams
• Experience coaching and mentoring clients and colleagues in agile techniques and best practices
• Strong team management skills, including effectively managing, mentoring, and coaching members of your team and wider community
• Experience implementing appropriate tools, standards, and techniques for business analysis and requirements gathering

Nice to Have

• Experience with Adjust or other similar tools
• Knowledge of relevant technologies and architecture concepts
• Experience working with delivery leads and solution architects to manage scope within commercial constraints
• Certification in agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban
• Experience with cloud-based technologies and platforms

Benefits and Perks

• Opportunity to work on high-impact public sector projects
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options
• Competitive compensation package
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
• Recognition and reward for outstanding performance
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and pension plan
• Paid time off and holidays

• Ensure your portfolio showcases your experience in agile software delivery and product management, particularly in the public sector.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to commercial negotiations and stakeholder management.
• Highlight your ability to lead and manage teams, including coaching and mentoring.
• Familiarize yourself with Kainos's products and services, as well as their approach to digital transformation in the public sector.
• Prepare to discuss your understanding of the UK public sector's challenges and opportunities, and how you can contribute to making a positive impact.
• Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Be ready to provide specific examples of your experience with agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban.